Senegal’s Fresh Fight with CAF: Trophy Drama Sparks a Dakar Comeback

Key developments

After the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy was presented to fans at Paris' Stade de France during a friendly against Peru on Saturday, Senegal's players are preparing to display the trophy again on home soil against Gambia on Tuesday, the first match on Senegalese soil since their January title win.

Media buzz continues as the trophy is expected to be re-presented in Diamniadio, near Dakar, at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade.

What’s next

CAF’s appeal ruling remains in the air. On March 17, CAF stripped Senegal of the win citing articles 82 and 84 of the competition's rules, and the Senegal Football Federation has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

As the final decision drifts toward a verdict, players insist they still feel like Africa champions while celebrations go on. The federation announced more celebrations for March 31 against Gambia in the final match of the international window, with the trophy still in the spotlight.

Additionally, Senegal’s recent 2-0 friendly win over Peru keeps World Cup 2026 preparations on track, even as the case unfolds. The dispute raises questions about officiating and regulations, with CAF closely watching every whistle and every page of the bylaws.

Pun intended or not, the trophy seems to have a mind of its own, strolling between courts, stadiums, and headlines—so far, it’s winning the tour more than the teams are.

Punchline 1: If trophies could talk, this one would hire a lawyer and demand better seating—talk about a piece that takes its job seriously.

Punchline 2: The only drama bigger than a CAN final is a trophy that keeps changing hands—call it the bronze-age plot twist, now touring a continent near you.